Raymond E. Ivany Merit Award

Acadia University

Get $5,000 for entering your first year in any full-time program at Acadia University, chosen on a 500-word essay, your financial need and your achievements.

Published by G Paul · last checked September 26, 2026

Total value

$5,000

Deadline

Mar 1, 2026

Level

High school

Applications are closed for this cycle

Applications are not open right now (they last closed Mar 1, 2026). Many awards like this one run again each year, so we re-check this page and update it when the next cycle opens. Last verified Sep 26, 2026.

Still open

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What you will need

Written essay (maximum 500 words) responding to the six specific prompts regarding Ray Ivany's philosophy, the Acadia model, and your life goals
Essay file in .doc, .jpg, .pdf, or .png format
Your full name
Your email address
The name of your high school
An indication of whether you intend to apply for a government student loan for the upcoming school year

About this award

You can receive a $5,000 award. This is a scholarship, not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back. This is for you if you are a hard-working, socially engaged student who is committed to excellence and wants to use your education to make a difference in the world. The last deadline was March 1st, 2026, and Acadia has not yet posted the deadline for the next round, so check the award's official page before you apply. You apply by emailing your essay to financial.aid@acadiau.ca. No notification timeline is posted publicly — when you apply, ask Acadia University how and when you will hear back via email, portal, or phone. A special panel chooses the winner based on your essay, and they may ask you to do an interview afterward. The award weighs your potential to exemplify the Acadia spirit, your financial need, and your academic and other achievements. Ask Acadia University during your application how the money will reach you — some awards pay students directly, others apply funds to tuition. Confirm this so you can plan your cash flow. Renewal conditions aren't listed — if you're counting on this for multiple years, confirm with Acadia University whether it's one-time or renewable and what you need to maintain.

Who qualifies

You must be an entering first-year domestic or international student in any full-time program. The award is based on your financial need, your academic and other achievements, and your potential to exemplify the Acadia spirit.

This is what the award's official page said when we last checked. Rules change, so confirm on the award's official page before you apply.

Canadian citizen, permanent resident or international student
Open to high school students

How to apply

Read the award's official page
Check you meet every requirement, and note each document they ask for.
Write your essay
Be specific about what you did and what changed because of it. Proofread it twice.
This round closed on March 1, 2026
Check the award's official page for the next round before you prepare anything.

Tips for applying

EssayAvoid copying directly from or using the Acadia viewbook as your only source of information. Instead, incorporate your own original thoughts and responses to the six required prompts. Read the university's website and other materials to show you have done deep research.
SupportAvoid a generic essay. Instead, make sure it shows your life goals and how you fit the rigorous and personalized educational model of the school. Mention specific ways you are socially engaged.
StrategyAvoid writing a long, rambling response. Instead, keep your essay to the maximum limit of 500 words. Focus on the balance between the "head and the heart" as requested in the prompt.
RealismAvoid treating the essay as the last step. Instead, recognize that the panel may follow up with an interview. Prepare a few talking points about your personal goals in case you are called for an interview.

Questions students ask

How do I apply?

This round is closed. Check the award's official page for when the next round opens.

When is the deadline?

This round closed on March 1, 2026. Many awards like this run again each year, so check the award's official page for the next round.

Can international students apply?

Yes. It is open to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and international students.

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FundMyCourse.ca · checked Sep 26, 2026